Ten-hut! Military Mail Deadline Nears

Holiday Packages Need To Go Off Soon

Diane Timmons hopes to send a little bit of holiday cheer -- a miniature Christmas tree -- to her Army son Allan Shawn Timmons, now on his way to Iraq.

She just has to get it in the mail by Nov. 13.

That's the first deadline the U.S. Postal Service has set for family members to get parcel post packages to overseas military post offices by Christmas. Timmons, of Hollywood, still lacks an address for her 24-year-old son, who's in Kuwait awaiting deployment to the war zone. But she's confident she'll have one in time.

"If we don't, we'll ship it air mail," she said.

Postal officials released guidelines Thursday for what relatives can send to troops and when. Some military posts can accept later packages, and cards can be sent by priority mail as late as Dec. 11.

One important guideline: All packages and mail, return address included, must be addressed to an individual service member. Because of security concerns, mail cannot be sent by well-wishers to any random service member.

Other restrictions apply to the contents of the package. Liquids must be in sealed containers wrapped in absorbent material. Detailed descriptions of contents are required. Simply writing "food" on the outside of a package isn't enough. "One fruitcake" or "three bags of cookies" must be listed. Battery types and quantity must also be listed. Deodorant must be roll-on, stick or solid.

Aerosols are not permitted, nor are flammable substances such as alcohol-based aftershave, mouthwash or cleaning agents. Lighters, matches, detergents and most bug sprays are also prohibited.

But what can make it to the front is much appreciated.

"Mail is one of the greatest morale boosters we can give our troops during the holidays," Postmaster General John E. Potter said.

Timmons' package will include something to put under her son's tiny Christmas tree, and it's OK to share.

"He's not the only one going through it over there," Timmons said.

More information about military packages is available at www.usps.com, by calling 800-ASK-USPS, or at any local post office.

Robert Nolin can be reached at rnolin@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4525.